News Summary
In Irmo, South Carolina, the family of Byron LaJonta Jackson is seeking accountability following his death in police custody shortly after an altercation with officers. Jackson, a 45-year-old, passed away shortly after being subdued by police, prompting public outcry for transparency and the release of bodycam footage. Concerns over police practices and the investigation’s lack of clarity persist as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigates the incident.
Irmo, South Carolina – The family of Byron LaJonta Jackson is calling for accountability following his death in police custody, which occurred shortly after a confrontation with the Irmo Police Department on June 22, 2025. Jackson, a 45-year-old man and graduate of North Augusta High School, passed away three days later, prompting demands for answers and transparency from both law enforcement officials and the community.
Jackson’s family is particularly urging authorities to release bodycam and dashcam footage related to the incident. Their plea comes amid growing concerns regarding the lack of transparency from the Irmo Police Department. Bakari Sellers, the civil rights attorney representing Jackson’s family, has highlighted what he describes as inconsistent statements from police, noting a perceived absence of accountability in their actions during the encounter.
The events leading to Jackson’s death began with an altercation inside his utility van, which prompted a brief police chase. The chase ended when Jackson’s van crashed into a stack of pallets. After exiting the vehicle, Jackson attempted to flee on foot, leading to an altercation with officers. Law enforcement personnel deployed a Taser during the struggle, a use of force that has raised questions about its necessity and subsequent outcomes.
Following the Taser deployment, Jackson reportedly began to have difficulty breathing, and police called emergency medical services (EMS). According to police reports, Jackson was initially handcuffed, but the handcuffs were later moved to the front to facilitate medical assistance. Officers noticed Jackson exhibiting signs of distress and rolled him into a recovery position while awaiting EMS.
Jackson’s health deteriorated while he was transported to the hospital, where resuscitation efforts were employed. However, his condition worsened after approximately 15 hours, leading to his death on June 25, 2025. His family expressed significant concern about the delay in being informed of his hospitalization, with his mother reportedly learning of the situation only after a lengthy interval post-incident.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently undertaking an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death. As part of this inquiry, two officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave. The Irmo Police Department has stated that Jackson was never formally arrested, characterizing the event as an “in-custody death.” This is particularly contentious since, initially, police denied Jackson was in their custody when the incident occurred.
Jackson’s family and attorney have voiced criticisms about the department’s refusal to name the officers involved and the withholding of bodycam footage while the investigation is ongoing. The timeline provided by the police department has also been questioned, with family members citing inconsistencies in the account of events leading up to Jackson’s death.
As the case continues to unfold, the Richland County Coroner’s Office has indicated that autopsy results are still pending, leaving the cause of Jackson’s death unknown as calls for justice and clarity persist. The public’s interest in the case highlights broader concerns regarding police practices, transparency, and accountability, especially in incidents involving the use of force.
The situation remains tense in Irmo, with community members rallying for greater oversight of police actions and assurance that such tragic events are thoroughly examined and openly communicated. As officials work to shed light on the details of this incident, the Jackson family awaits not just answers but the commitment to ensure accountability in law enforcement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Irmo Police Custody Death Raises Justice Concerns
Family Demands Transparency After Irmo Man’s Death
Family Demands Transparency After Man Dies in Police Custody
Inquiry Ongoing Following Death of Man in Police Custody
Irmo Police Investigate Man’s Death in Custody
Family Demands Transparency Following Man’s Death in Police Custody
Family Seeks Transparency in Police Custody Death
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Byron Jackson Death Incident Report
- WIS TV: Heavily Redacted Police Report
- ABC News: Family Seeks Answers in Death
- The State: Local Crime News
- WACH: Attorney Accuses Irmo Police
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality in the United States
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Irmo Police Incident
- Google Scholar: Police Accountability South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Violence
- Google News: Byron Jackson Death
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
